“I didn’t wash my hands,” Jakub Mensik reveals Lionel Messi was behind his victory in the Miami Open semi-finals

Jakub Mensik beats Taylor Fritz 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4) to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Miami Open.

“I didn’t wash my hands,” Jakub Mensik reveals Lionel Messi was behind his victory in the Miami Open semi-finals

Jakub Mensik and Lionel Messi (via X/Jakub Mensik)

Jakub Mensik set a dream ATP Masters 1000 final debut in Miami after ousting Taylor Fritz in a tricky semi-final tie. The Czech Republic teenager will now play against his childhood hero, Novak Djokovic, in the final. However, before that, he acknowledged that it was Football great Lionel Messi who inspired him to victory.

The 19-year-old has been playing flawless tennis since arriving in Miami. He earned his first Top 10 win of the season against Indian Wells champion Jack Draper in the second round. The Czech Republic star, known for his powerful serves and groundstrokes, then went on to defeat Roman Safiullin in the third round.

He did the same thing against Arthur Fils in the quarter-finals after earning a fourth round walkover following the withdrawal of Tomas Machac due to injury. Mensik thundered 25 aces in his semi-final clash against Fritz but dropped his first set in the tournament. However, Fritz’s 20 unforced errors proved costly as that allowed Mensik to battle for the win.

The Czech teen came out on top in the deciding set tiebreak to oust the hometown hero 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4). But before the match, he met with Lionel Messi in the player’s locker room, as the football star was in attendance for Novak Djokovic vs. Grigor Dimitrov match. He then revealed that Messi was key to his victory against Fritz.

I shook his hand. I was relaxing with him for a while, so I didn’t wash my hands before stepping onto the court. Messi was the key today.

Jakub Mensik said during his on-court interview

Before the Miami Open, Mensik’s best run was in Brisbane and Auckland Classics, where he got to the quarter-finals of both tournaments. He’s now seeking his first career ATP at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Florida.

Jakub Mensik believes he can beat Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final

Jakub Mensik will face Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Open. The 19-year-old has revealed on several occasions that Djokovic is his idol. But on Sunday (March 30), he is looking forward to facing the 37-year-old as an opponent. He has faced Djokovic once on Tour, which was at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where he lost to the Serbian in three sets. He believes he’s a different player from when they met last October.

Jakub Mensik and Novak Djokovic (via X/ATP)
Jakub Mensik and Novak Djokovic (via X/ATP)

I am a completely different player from that match. I remember being very nervous when I stepped onto the court because I wasn’t mentally mature. I don’t doubt I will feel nerves on Sunday, but I believe I will handle them much better. Back then, I went out to enjoy the experience, but now I am here to win.

Jakub Mensik said via Miami Open Press

However, Djokovic has a dream in sight ahead of the Miami Open final. The World No.5 has struggled to claim his 100th career title since winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris last year. He now has a chance of achieving a victory that will cement his place in history.

Jakub Mensik says he’s confident in his ability to stay calm under pressure

Jakub Mensik has played courageously in Miami. Despite facing an in-form Jack Draper, who had just won the Indian Wells title, in the second round, he found a way to beat him. He then achieved his first Top 5 win of the season by beating Taylor Fritz in the semi-final. He revealed after the match that he knows how to handle pressure on the court.

Jakub Mensik Miami Open
Jakub Mensik (image via Instagram @mensik.jakub)

I believe one of my greatest virtues is how I handle pressure moments in matches. I can stay calm, focused, and play my best tennis. That’s why I’m winning so many tiebreaks this year. Now I understand how the circuit works, I have confidence in my abilities, and I feel that I am becoming a better tennis player every day.

Jakub Mensik said

Mensik will be the underdog against Novak Djokovic in the final, as he’s not the favorite to win the match. That will be less pressure on him heading into the match, which will help him to chase for the victory.